How to

How to Get Your Kid Interested in Photography

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Every once in a while I seek out a “little” professional opinion on my images. Yep, that’s right, I call the pro — my daughter.


How to straighten an image in Adobe Lightroom

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How to straighten an image in Adobe Lightroom with just a few clicks.


How to use Lights Out Mode in Lightroom

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Here’s a quick video on how to use the “Lights Out Mode” in Lightroom and your next shot at being featured in the Reader Spotlight.


How to change your background in Lightroom

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Stop by the blog for a video on how how to change your background in Lightroom and for a shot at being featured in the Reader Spotlight!


Chasing Rainbows

Every once in a while I like to go against my own conventional wisdom. Today’s image was one of those times I decided that the light was more important than the color. I converted the image to black and white using Silver Efex Pro and then imported it back into Lightroom for further processing.


Street Portrait–getting permission

Jaipur Man smoking Black and White by John Batdorff

Throughout the years I’ve had more than a handful of people ask me, “How do you go about asking someone if you can take their portrait?” I recognize not everyone is comfortable approaching a complete stranger with a camera in tow.


“Transcending Travel” a must read

Transcending Travel – A guide to Captivating Travel Photography

One of my favorite travel photographers, Mitchell Kanashkevich, just released a new e-book, “Transcending Travel—A guide to captivating travel photography.” I bought the book yesterday and must say it was a pleasure to read.


Got a question? Just ask…

"Lady Slipper Orchids" (1/80sec, f3.5, 85mm at ISO 640)

I remember when I first started getting serious about photography I had all these crazy questions but nowhere to turn—it could be downright frustrating. A few years back I started reading blogs, and now I find myself following close to 60 of them a day. I tend to interact only with a few photographer/bloggers, but [...]


Q&A Friday

Ok…it’s been a while since I’ve done a Q&A session so I thought I would answer a few questions I’ve received over last few months. Why should I use a lens hood? I always use my lens hood because it reduces flare from the sun and lights.  Most importantly, it is just another way to [...]


Making of the Image Part 1.

Lake Michigan Pier

Today’s image is the first in a series dedicated to explaining how I go about selecting and making an image.Tomorrow, I’ll walk you through the processing. I’ll show you the original image and the steps I took to get today’s final version.


A Snowy Recipe

John Batdorff Self Portrait

Yesterday I decided to grab my camera and take advantage of Chicago’s new fallen snow. I took a few photos at the lake and a fun self portrait. Today’s blog breaks down how I created the self-portrait.


It’s Snow Angel Time

Snow Angel in the making

Ever wonder how to make a perfect snow angel? Well, a local legend shares with me her proven technique…;)


How to shoot Christmas lights

Alrene Weitz

Here are some suggestions to improving your Christmas light photos. 1. Get a tripod or some device that will steady your shot.
2. Consider shooting at dusk so that you can use the available light.